The Blog Roll See Italy Travel Blog

How You Can Access Venice's Most Exclusive Masquerade Balls this Carnival Season

In the weeks before Fat Tuesday (martedì grasso), Venice revels in Carnevale. Dating back to the 1200s, Carnival marks the start of the Christian period of Lent--the 40 days before Easter. Because believers will fast during Lent, Carnival is the feast before a self-imposed famine.

Carnival in fact comes from the Italian word carne (meat) – the very thing not eaten in Lent. During Carnival, residents of Venice fill their faces with decadent fried treats, which locals call frìtole. If Lent is a time of restraint, Carnival fêtes gluttony.

During this time, Venetians also don traditional masks and costumes. Rich or poor, noble or servant, masks hide the wearer’s identity. From February 16th to March 5th of this year, Venice will host both public festivities and private masquerade balls.

To access Carnival's exclusive parties, you need -- a mask, a costume and inside connections. Attendees at midnight masquerades stroll – like peacocks – through candlelit palaces near the Grand Canal. Costumes are a must for all Carnival balls -- thankfully, we can help your travelers rent one in Venice!

Discover 5 Lavish Carnival Parties below

TIEPOLO BALL - February 28th, 2019

The Ballo Tiepolo, also known as The Grand Ball, takes place in the Palazzo Pisani Moretta -- a 16th-century palace, overlooking the Grand Canal. The Main Hall is transformed for the night into an 18th-century ballroom – lit with hundreds of candles. Dance Masters, accompanied by an orchestra, guide guests through minuets and waltzes. Opera singers entertain guests, as they dine upon a 5-course meal.

CA' VENDRAMIN BALL - various dates, Feb. 23rd - March 5th

The Ca' Vendramin Ball is housed in a historic palace on the Grand Canal. This elegant Renaissance palazzo was built between 1481 and 1509. Guests will be treated to a feast of sights, sounds and flavors -- including a 5-course dinner, gambling room and post-midnight dancing.

DOGE BALL - March 2nd, 2019

The Ballo del Doge is considered the most exclusive event of Venice's Carnival. Held at the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta, the ball starts at 8:30PM. After a welcome cocktail, dinner will be served throughout the palace’s centuries-old halls. Artistic performances, classical music and period dancing can be enjoyed until the early morning. The event has been organized by internationally-famed atelier Antonia Sautter since 1992.

CASANOVA BALL - March 2nd, 2019

Inspired by the romantic legend of Giacomo Casanova, this ball will seduce your senses. Held in the majestic Palazzo Contarini, dating to the 15th century, the Casanova Ball begins with a welcome cocktail in the building's courtyard. Next, guests will be wowed by performers -- including dancers, acrobats and musicians.

CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA BALL - March 2nd, 2019

The Carnival Extravaganza Ball is one of your last chance to experience an authentic masquerade. During and after dinner, you can learn the steps to dances from the 1700s and 1800s. A baroque ensemble will play music throughout the delectable 4-course dinner. The splendid setting for this event is Palazzo Dandolo, a canal-facing palace. It takes place the Saturday before Fat Tuesday.

Whether you crave a Carnival soirees or exploring Venice's quiet canals, we have the inside connections to turn your trip into a journey of discovery. Click the image below to download our free guide to winter in Italy:

Testimonials!

"We just wanted to the tell you thanks for everything you did to make our trip to Italy so special. It pretty much was a perfect - and perfectly planned - vacation. Rome, Florence, Lucca, loved them all. Paolo and Sabrina were wonderful guides and all of the places we stayed were lovely. You did a great job. Loved Italy. Loved the people."—Mike and Nancy

"We just wanted to the tell you thanks for everything you did to make our trip to Italy so special. It pretty much was a perfect - and perfectly planned - vacation. Rome, Florence, Lucca, loved them all. Paolo and Sabrina were wonderful guides and all of the places we stayed were lovely. You did a great job. Loved Italy. Loved the people."—Mike and Nancy

I intend to use Massoni Travel in the future and will definitely recommend your services to my friends and family. I recently joined an Italian American Spirit Group that meets for dinner once a month and also plans events and trips to Italy. I will tell them at the next meeting how much we enjoyed your services. Also, it was the first time I had a travel agent check on us during the trip - very nice!" —Joan B.